AuthorTopic: John Broadwood Harpsichord (Read 1444 times)

As a matter of interest an unplayable and unrestored John Broadwood double harpsichord inscribed 'Johannes Broadwood Londini fecit, 1790' was sold at Gorringes auction in Lewes today for a hammer price of £1400 which, with buyers premium, taxes etc would mean a payment nearer £1800. It was knocked down after fierce internet bidding having been estimated at £250/350. I would have liked to buy it and restore it myself, but not at that price! There's certainly everything there for an excellent restoration project though, save that the music desk had disappeared.

The Colt Collection in Kent has a number of 18th century harpsichords, from memory not a significant number in playable condition, and perhaps not surprisingly. Many of these display a bend at the jackrails, the tail of the instrument rising and this Broadwood that went today is likewise.

The other day during the Hammerwood recital on the Clayson and Garrett 1970, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa6O1V6aAgE I saw that even in this rather younger instrument the same bend is starting to appear. In 30-50 years time after all the current authentic instruments have suffered and reached stages of unplayability the then century old piano frame revival instruments will be in demand. But the sound of the authentic construction leads to much better bass.